The reliability and validity tests were inconsistent by sample. The different results can, in part, be attributed to the demographic differences between the 2 samples. With the exception of age, the samples differed in every other measured variable. However, when the samples were combined, the analyses supported the reliability and validity of the Diabetes Knowledge Test 2. The DKT2 is a quick and low-cost method of assessing general knowledge of diabetes and diabetes self-care.

OBJECTIVE -To determine whether using the chronic care model (CCM) in an underserved community leads to improved clinical and behavioral outcomes for people with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS-This multilevel, cluster-design, randomized controlled trial examined the effectiveness of a CCM-based intervention in an underserved urban community. Eleven primary care practices, along with their patients, were randomized to three groups: CCM intervention (n ϭ 30 patients), provider education only (PROV group) (n ϭ 38), and usual care (UC group) (n ϭ 51).RESULTS -A marked decline in HbA 1c was observed in the CCM group (Ϫ0.6%, P ϭ 0.008) but not in the other groups. The magnitude of the association remained strong after adjustment for clustering (P ϭ 0.01). The same pattern was observed for a decline in non-HDL cholesterol and for the proportion of participants who self-monitor blood glucose in the CCM group (non-HDL cholesterol: Ϫ10.4 mg/dl, P ϭ 0.24; self-monitor blood glucose: ϩ22.2%, P Ͻ 0.0001), with statistically significant between-group differences in improvement (non-HDL cholesterol: P ϭ 0.05; self-monitor blood glucose: P ϭ 0.03) after adjustment. The CCM group also showed improvement in HDL cholesterol (ϩ5.5 mg/dl, P ϭ 0.0004), diabetes knowledge test scores (ϩ6.7%, P ϭ 0.07), and empowerment scores (ϩ2, P ϭ 0.02).CONCLUSIONS -These results suggest that implementing the CCM in the community is effective in improving clinical and behavioral outcomes in patients with diabetes. Diabetes Care 29:811-817, 2006D iabetes affects ϳ7% of the U.S. population and has reached epidemic proportions (1). Diabetes represents a significant public health burden worldwide by decreasing quality of life and causing death and disability at great economic cost (2). Though quality diabetes care is essential to prevent long-term complications, care often falls below recommended standards regardless of health care setting or patient population, emphasizing the necessity for system change (3-6).The chronic care model (CCM) (3,4,7,8) is a multifaceted framework for enhancing health care delivery. The model is based on a paradigm shift from the current model of dealing with acute care issues to a system that is prevention based (3,5,(7)(8)(9). The premise of the model is that quality diabetes care is not delivered in isolation and can be enhanced by community resources, selfmanagement support, delivery system redesign, decision support, clinical information systems, and organizational support working in tandem to enhance patient-provider interactions (3,4,7-13). Currently, few efforts exist to implement multifaceted approaches to improve quality of care in diabetes despite studies that demonstrate their proven effectiveness (3,4,11,14,15).The objective of the current study was to determine the effectiveness of an intervention based on the CCM in primary care settings. We hypothesized that patient clinical (glycemic, blood pressure, and lipid control), behavioral (selfmonitoring of blood glucose), psychological/psychosocial (qualit...

OBJECTIVETo compare a peer leader (PL) versus a community health worker (CHW) telephone outreach intervention in sustaining improvements in HbA1c over 12 months after a 6-month diabetes self-management education (DSME) program.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSOne hundred and sixteen Latino adults with type 2 diabetes were recruited from a federally qualified health center and randomized to 1) a 6-month DSME program followed by 12 months of weekly group sessions delivered by PLs with telephone outreach to those unable to attend or 2) a 6-month DSME program followed by 12 months of monthly telephone outreach delivered by CHWs. The primary outcome was HbA1c. Secondary outcomes were cardiovascular disease risk factors, diabetes distress, and diabetes social support. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months.RESULTSAfter DSME, the PL group achieved a reduction in mean HbA1c (8.2–7.5% or 66–58 mmol/mol, P < 0.0001) that was maintained at 18 months (−0.6% or −6.6 mmol/mol from baseline [P = 0.009]). The CHW group also showed a reduction in HbA1c (7.8 vs. 7.3% or 62 vs. 56 mmol/mol, P = 0.0004) post–6 month DSME; however, it was attenuated at 18 months (−0.3% or −3.3 mmol/mol from baseline, within-group P = 0.234). Only the PL group maintained improvements achieved in blood pressure at 18 months. At the 18-month follow-up, both groups maintained improvements in waist circumference, diabetes support, and diabetes distress, with no significant differences between groups.CONCLUSIONSBoth low-cost maintenance programs led by either a PL or a CHW maintained improvements in key patient-reported diabetes outcomes, but the PL intervention may have additional benefit in sustaining clinical improvements beyond 12 months.

Implementing systems to support decision support, self-management education, and delivery system redesign has a positive influence on practices and patient outcomes in outlying rural communities.